The tragic deaths of five people, including a child, in an attempt to cross the English Channel from France have once again highlighted the dangers faced by asylum seekers seeking refuge in the UK. The incident occurred just hours after Britain passed a controversial bill to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda in an effort to deter dangerous crossings.
The overcrowded small boat, carrying around 110 people, encountered difficulties and tragedy struck as one child, a woman, and three men lost their lives in the treacherous waters. The French coastguard is still searching for survivors, with the exact number of rescued individuals and those still missing unknown.
The British government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has made it a priority to stop the flow of migrants and has championed the Rwanda deportation plan as a deterrent. However, human rights groups and critics have condemned the move as inhumane.
In the wake of the tragic incident, Sunak emphasized the need to focus on getting flights to Rwanda operational. The bill, which is set to become law this week, is expected to see deportation flights departing within the next 10 to 12 weeks.
The dangerous crossings in the English Channel have been a growing concern, with more than 6,000 asylum seekers arriving in Britain this year alone. The risks involved in the journey, exacerbated by overcrowded boats and strong currents, have led to several tragic incidents in recent years.
The push to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has faced legal challenges, with a deportation flight in June 2022 being blocked by European judges. The UK Supreme Court later ruled the scheme unlawful, citing the risk of mistreatment for migrants.
As the debate over immigration policies and asylum seekers continues, the tragic loss of life in the English Channel serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of these dangerous journeys.